Tom Butch

Thomas Michael Butch, 95 years old of Arroyo Grande, California passed away on October 10, 2025, surrounded by loving family.

Tom was born in Youngstown, Ohio and moved with his family to Southern California when he was a teenager. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, Tom joined the Marine Corps Reserves while attending Long Beach City College. When the Korean War started in 1950, Tom was sent to Camp Pendleton for training and then proceeded to serve in the Korean War. Tom was wounded in action while in Korea and received a Purple Heart. Upon his return from the war, Tom decided to continue with college and completed his AA degree. Thanks to the GI Bill, Tom completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at UCLA and then attended graduate school at USC. Tom was quickly hired by the City of Sierra Madre where he eventually became an Assistant City Manager. In 1963, Tom was hired as the first City Manager of Arroyo Grande, California. In 1981, Tom briefly pursued private industry and returned to city management with the City of Reedley. In 1988, Tom joined the Joint Powers Insurance Authority where he served as General Manager until 1994.

During his extensive career in city management, Tom thoroughly enjoyed working with communities to facilitate the improvement of water, sanitation, roadway, and downtown lighting systems. He was especially delighted about the contributions he made to city parks such as receiving a free jet from a local Air Force Base that children could play on and free benches from a famous racetrack. Tom was grateful that he had the opportunity to manage so many city projects that would benefit communities for years to come.

In 1956, Tom and Joan crossed paths during a blind date in Long Beach, and the two ended up in Disneyland where Tom tapped danced across the Frontierland bridge. Tom and Joan were married a year later and enjoyed 65 years of marriage. Tom was an amazing husband and father, and he loved playing with his grandkids. Tom had a positive outlook, can-do attitude, kick in his step, and he made friends with everyone he met. Tom's gregarious personality certainly helped him make connections throughout his life that opened opportunities.

During his retirement years, Tom and Joan traveled to over 90 countries and visited every continent. Their adventures included seeing Komodo dragons in the wild, visiting the Galápagos Islands, traveling above the Arctic Circle, and crossing the equator many times. The most interesting sight for Tom was seeing the bridge on the River Kwai. Tom saw the bridge twice and it left a huge impression on him.

Tom was an avid golfer. Less than a month after turning 89 years old, Tom made his first hole-in-one! It was his first shot of the day and his proudest golfing moment.

Tom leaves his three daughters, Diane Villa (John), Suzanne Catalanotto (Vince), and Janis (Darin). His grandchildren, Elise Wauchope (Andrew), Tom Villa, Angela, and Alex will miss their loving grandfather.

A heartfelt thank you to all of Tom's care givers for their unending kindness, support, and patience. Words cannot adequately describe how sincerely grateful we are for your efforts caring for our father.

On November 13, 2025, a Celebration of Life for Tom will be held at St. Patrick's Church in Arroyo Grande at 12:00 p.m.